Charlotte Hornets' first-round center from 2022 undergoes surgery

Mark Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, the Charlotte Hornets announced in a press release. The rookie center is expected to make a full recovery, according to the team, although no specific timetable was given for his return.

The 15th overall pick in last year’s draft, Williams appeared in 43 games and made 17 starts during the just-completed season. He finished second among rookies with 1.0 blocks per game, third in field goal percentage at 63.7, fourth in rebounds at 7.1 per night and fifth with 11 double-doubles. He also averaged 9.0 PPG in 19.3 minutes per game.

Williams missed some time with a sprained thumb in March, but he was able to return before the end of the season, playing in six of the team’s final eight games.

This surgery is expected to prevent Williams from taking part in Summer League, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. The Hornets will play in both Sacramento and Law Vegas next month and Williams had been expected to participate.

Boone notes that Williams’ focus will now turn to rehab and recovery before he is cleared to resume full basketball workouts later in the offseason.